Sometimes you just have to get started…

I’ve been pausing every time I even think about writing a blog. I keep thinking I need to research structure, format, topics, etc. Instead of taking forward action, I stay in one place by googling what is needed to have a great blog. Paralysis by analysis. So I have decided to start typing and see where this goes. Sometimes you just have to jump in. There is no point in chasing perfection or not doing something you really want to do just because we don’t know what the result will be. 

Hi, I’m Brittany Olson. I am the health and life coach who does not have her shit together. I am chasing down a dream to make a deeper impact on people. I am full of fear but I do not let that stop me. Fear is another challenge we are meant to overcome. I am a trailrunner who has found a home on single track, dirt and rocks. I feel annoying at times, like I’m talking too much or too excitedly or am oversharing so then I back off (something I am continuously working on). I am disciplined and I know what I want. One of my biggest goals right now is taking action that moves me forward and will lead me towards making the time for what I value most (running, family, friends, reading, coaching). I am a hyper-empath…we will dive into that a bit more in another blog. Having empathy is so important in coaching which is one of the reasons I am pursuing coaching. Being a hyper hyper-empath though, can be draining to me and is another thing I am working on. I am consistently seeking opportunities through the challenges that arise.

I had a huge mental and emotional breakthrough in December last year (2022). I was out on a long trail run and not feeling great. And something clicked ‘Good effort. Positive Attitude.’ If you follow me on Instagram, you will have already seen me post about that. It changed the entire run. Now I say that before I start running, during runs, during work (it doesn’t always help 😂) and, well, with everything now. This helps me focus on what I can control, which is my effort and attitude. Recently, as my miles have gone up (more to come next week on that) I have been adding in ‘I am confident. I am powerful.’ To say I am a completely different person would be inaccurate. But it has brought me a lot of peace, strength and energy. 

Why am I telling you all these things? Maybe it will help you get to know me. Maybe it will help me get to know myself a bit more. 

Why did I choose to become a coach? I love humans…I really do. And I talk to lots of people (not just clients) where I continuously hear ‘Well, I can’t do that’ or ‘I will never be able to do that’ or ‘I’m not strong enough’, etc, etc, etc. I HATE hearing the I can’ts. We are all programmed by the time we are 5 years old. The things around us from the time we are born, have a huge influence on us. We do continue to grow and change, however, those first few years are critical to how our minds are shaped and how we can progress. The good news is that we can be re-programmed from saying I can’t to I can.. We can change never to a specific goal to say someday. I would say my biggest response to people when they say I can’t or I will never is ‘why not?’ Almost every single time I ask that, I get a huge pause and a look of confusion because even they aren’t sure why not, it’s just something they believe. Maybe we are busy comparing ourselves to others who have already done the work to be where we want to be. Maybe we were told that we couldn’t do something because we were a girl or short or fat or skinny or unathletic or dumb. Here’s where I come in. I mentioned my mantra earlier, “Good effort. Positive attitude.” I help people to feel empowered and to overcome the can’ts, won’ts and nevers. We work together to figure out who you want to be and I meet you where you are at. We talk about goals, what you feel is missing, where you want to be, obstacles you have and so, so much more. We get to know your identity and work together to make small changes (why, yes Atomic Habits is one of my favorite books) which then flows into changing behaviors and gets you to where you’ve wanted to be, your identity. This is where identity-based habits come into play (and yet another blog to come).

I’ve read not to make these too long or I will get TLDR (Too Long Didn’t Read for those of you like me who had no idea what that meant for quite some time). But that’s a little bit about me. I’m glad I took this forward action to start typing. Maybe I will get more structure or maybe I won’t. But I will keep at it. Future blogs will include tips, advice, stories and any other thing that comes to my mind or suggestions from others. Let me know if there’s anything you would like me to talk (type) about. I know I’m not for everyone but I’m excited for this part of the journey. 

Good effort. Positive attitude.